Category Archives: Scott Laughlin

Illinois GOP unveils budget compromise

Illinois GOP unveils budget compromise

The so-called Grand Bargain in Springfield has been retooled and now Illinois Republicans are rolling out what they are calling the Capitol Compromise.MORE

Bloomington hits 80 percent recycling rate

Bloomington hits 80 percent recycling rate

By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has hit a milestone in its recycling program: 80 percent participation. “Reaching 80 percent participation from our residents is an impressive milestone for our community. It highlights the importance of sustainable practices to our community,” explained Public Works Director Jim Karch. City manager David Hales told WJBC’s…MORE

Barickman: Passing education formula with no budget a ‘joke’

Barickman: Passing education formula with no budget a ‘joke’

By Eric Stock SPRINGFIELD – While Illinois lawmakers didn’t take any budget votes on deadline day, the state Senate approved a school funding bill, which Republican Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington predicts will never pass. “The joke of the night yesterday is that the Democrats couldn’t come together on an agreement on a budget, yet…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…